Bhopal Civic Body in Chaos: Employee Allegedly Sets Mayor Malti Rai’s Car on Fire During Protest

Bhopal: Tension erupted at Atal Bhavan, the headquarters of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, on Monday after an employee allegedly set fire to Mayor Malti Rai’s official vehicle during a protest by municipal staff.

According to reports, the accused allegedly threw a burning piece of paper onto the vehicle, causing the car to catch fire. Flames quickly rose from the vehicle, triggering panic among employees and officials at the civic body headquarters. Staff members at the spot immediately rushed to control the fire and managed to extinguish it shortly afterward.

Employee Injured While Trying to Put Out Fire
The incident occurred as municipal employees had gathered at the headquarters to raise several pending demands. The protest reportedly turned chaotic when the alleged arson took place.

An employee identified as Ram Singh Yadav sustained burn injuries while attempting to extinguish the flames. The incident has reportedly been attributed to Sunil Gaikwad, who is associated with the employees’ union. Authorities are investigating his alleged role in setting the mayor’s vehicle on fire.

Municipal Commissioner Orders FIR
Following the incident, Municipal Commissioner Sanskruti Jain directed officials to register an FIR against the accused. Police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what led to the alleged act of arson during the employee protest. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Civic Body Calls Act ‘Highly Condemnable’
Additional Commissioner Varun Awasthi said an attempt had been made to damage government property by setting the Bhopal mayor’s vehicle on fire.

He said the Municipal Corporation would take strict action against those found responsible and condemned the alleged involvement of Sunil Gaikwad in the incident.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the escalation of employee protests and the alleged targeting of government property at the civic body headquarters. Police and municipal authorities are now probing the matter.